Wednesday, 1 December 2010

Christmas is coming...

With the recent cold weather and even the arrival of snow, it really is starting to feel a lot like Christmas, especially as we put up our Christmas tree at uni last Monday. Now before you shriek, I am a traditionalist and don't usually put the tree or Christmas decorations so early BUT we only have this week and next left at uni before we break up for the holidays. I'm not sure what Eleanor's excuse is though! ;)

It's only a little tree but I think it's super cute and it definitely brightens up that corner of our living room at uni! I have been finding it more difficult to get into the Christmas spirit this year but Danni's recent posts have helped as has the frost. We seem to be one of the few areas that haven't had snow but I for one am quite glad! Although I am a warm person, I don't like ice and the majority of my clothes and shoes are completely impractical!

One thing I do like with the cold weather though is the snuggling up in front of the telly with something to warm you up. In the past week I have had risotto, steak, meatballs and best of all stewed plums! I took these photos last year around the same sort of time but I never used them but I have made stewed plums twice in the past week or so so thought I would share it with you guys. These plums are perfect for warming your cockles on a cold day and are very easy to do:

* Stewed plums:

Ingredients:

Plums

Sugar

Water

Disaronno Amaretto

Take the plums and cut them in half, removing the stones.

Place in a saucepan and add sugar to taste.

Add water and Amaretto *WARNING* This is not all Amaretto before you think I am some kind of alcoholic ;)

Bring to a running boil until the plums are cooked through. Then serve in a big bowl or cup and drink/ eat up!

I'm pretty sure this counts as one of your five a day and or course you can stew pretty much any fruit but plums are one of my favourite, especially in the winter :) Stewed fruit always reminds me of my childhood and if I was going to go with that nostalgic feeling, I'd make a big bowl of custard to go with it! Now that's a thought... ! Luckily my brother bought me some Amaretto for my birthday so I have enough to sustain me over Christmas ;)

Do certain foods remind you of your childhood? How many of you have your Christmas tree up?

We haven't got our tree up, and won't for a long time (it's my mum's birthday next week and she demands at least a week of birthdayness before we start on the christmas cheer) buuut.... we did start on the mulled wine today